The NHS has lowered the bowel cancer screening age to 50, a change championed by the late Dame Deborah James, benefiting millions.
Woking: Big news for health! The NHS is lowering the bowel cancer screening age from 60 to 50. This change is a huge win for the late Dame Deborah James. She fought hard for this change before she passed away in 2022.
Deborah was a journalist and a passionate campaigner. She raised millions for cancer research through her Bowelbabe Fund. Just before her death, she received a damehood from Prince William for her efforts.
Her mom, Heather, said Deborah would be thrilled about this news. Now, four million more people can get screened earlier. That’s a big deal!
Deborah was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016. Even with her illness, she dedicated herself to helping others. She raised over £16 million for cancer research during her battle.
In her last social media post, she shared a powerful message. She encouraged everyone to live fully and check their health regularly. Her words were a reminder of the importance of screenings.
Now, about 850,000 people aged 50 to 52 in England will receive test kits by mail. This means regular screenings every two years from ages 50 to 74. Early detection is key!
Bowel cancer is common in the UK, with over 44,000 new cases each year. Catching it early can really improve survival rates.
Deborah once wrote about the need to talk openly about bowel health. She believed education is crucial for recognizing symptoms early.
Heather feels that Deborah’s dream is finally coming true, even if it’s a bit late. She hopes for a future where cancer is manageable, not a death sentence. That was always Deborah’s vision.
